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Best Dispersed Camping near Council, ID

36 Reviews

Several dispersed camping areas surround Council, Idaho, primarily around the nearby lakes and reservoirs. Lost Valley Reservoir offers primitive shoreline camping with vault toilets at some sites but no drinking water. The gravel access road splits, with the left fork leading to Cold Spring Campground and the right continuing to lakeside dispersed sites. Camping is available directly along the water early in the season, though water levels drop significantly by August.

Mann Creek Recreation Area provides primitive camping near the reservoir with limited shade and level parking areas for both tents and RVs. The area features vault toilets but no drinking water or hookups. Little Payette Lake, Goose Lake, and Brundage Reservoir offer more remote dispersed options, all within reasonable driving distance of Council. Most sites operate on a 14-day stay limit. According to one visitor, "There are camp sites all along this stretch of the lake with direct access to the water. A few sites have a common outhouse with no running water." Mosquitoes are prevalent at most locations, particularly at dawn and dusk, with some campers noting they can be "horrible" at Little Payette Lake.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Council, Idaho (32)

    1. Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area

    7 Reviews
    New Meadows, ID
    16 miles
    Website

    "After about 1/2 mile, you will see the lake off to your right. There are camp sites all along this stretch of the lake with direct access to the lake."

    "Great spot tucked into the trees. Some sites are a bit cramped, but enjoyable. Cool trails and nearby water to keep the kids occupied. The road is tight but you can get a fifth wheeler in."

    2. Little Payette Lake (Dispersed)

    5 Reviews
    McCall, ID
    24 miles
    Website

    "Found a nice large flat area for 2 nights. Lots of mosquitoes."

    3. Lake Louie Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Spink, ID
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 634-0700

    "Once you reach the lake it is stunning. We did this hike in July in the evening time. There was plenty of shade and a cool breeze that made it enjoyable."

    4. Mann Creek Recreation Area

    7 Reviews
    Weiser, ID
    32 miles
    Website

    $10 - $15 / night

    "Great place to stop on our drive from CA to ID. The other campground is just a few hundred yards up the road and it is a very park like gorgeous setting with restrooms."

    "There is camping around the reservoir and at the near by campground.  Up past the reservoir there are roads to ride ATV's.  There is not a lot of shade and it gets hot in the summer.  "

    5. Rapid Creek Dispersed Camping Area

    1 Review
    Spink, ID
    25 miles
    Website

    "It’s really just a small meadow in the mountains that the BLM put a vault toilet and a couple of fire rings in. That being said, this place is beautiful."

    6. Brundage Resivour Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    New Meadows, ID
    27 miles

    "So quiet, love paddle boarding and being the only one on the lake. Only one other camper on the weekend in a 7 site dispersed camping area Each spot in its own area. One big area for group."

    7. Warren Wagon Rd

    1 Review
    McCall, ID
    28 miles

    "Lake is just down the road, but you have quick, short walking access to river & creek. It does get busy on the weekends"

    8. Goose Lake Camping Area

    1 Review
    New Meadows, ID
    27 miles

    "awesome undeveloped camp sites spaced out along the lake great place to camp and enjoy some mountain lake trout over a fire along with the cool crisp air at night"

    9. Upper Payette Lake Dispersed Camping Area

    3 Reviews
    Payette National Forest, ID
    35 miles
    Website

    "But they were close to the road and we wanted to be off the road. We ended up at the last spot on the road right before the interpretive trail at the end. This spot was tucked into the trees."

    "One of the few dispersed areas I’ve visited with multiple bathrooms. Stunning views on the calm water. Bring your SUP or kayak, you’ll want to be on the water!"

    10. Hazard Creek Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Pollock, ID
    32 miles

    "Nice flat spot with a stone fire ring. Hazard creek nearby isn't too loud and sounds great. Not much firewood is around as its all been picked already."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Council, ID

39 Photos of 32 Council Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Council, ID

36 Reviews of 32 Council Campgrounds

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2024

    Herrick Reservoir Access

    Just ok

    Camping is free, limit of 10 days. Not really any designated sites and surrounded by private land with aggressive signage. Not all roads around the reservoir are public, so be prepared to turn around and back up at dead ends. We came to an orange gate that said "private property", and stopped. While trying to turn around, we noticed a white truck sitting behind us. When we turned around and passed him, he motioned to roll down the window, and then berated us and called us idiots, even though we had not even entered the private land, nor did we want to. We felt threatened. In the end we chose a site on the upper road of the reservoir. The view was nice but not close to the pit toilet. No fire ring. No table. A no frills place. Like many lakes in Idaho, the reservoir is mostly dry. Not a huge deal but not the prettiest to look at. There is only one single pit toilet for the whole reservoir and someone was set up right next to it like it was their own. People ride off-road vehicles here. In an area with slim pickings for free camping, I guess you have to take what you can get.

  • Nick J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2024

    Aneroid Lake Backcountry Dispersed Campsite

    Great Backcountry High Alpine Lake

    Aneroid Lake is one of my favorite locations in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. The dispersed camping for backpackers is on the North side of the lake, whereas the South side is private property (Camp Halton). The lake is stocked every few years with rainbow trout, and has a good supply of brook trout.

    The water is very cold but worth the dip if it's a hot summer day.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2018

    Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area

    Beautiful Sunsets on a mountain lake.

    Once you turn off Hywy 95 on to Lost Valley Reservoir Road (about 16 miles North of Council), you will reach a Y in the well kept gravel road. If you turn left, you will come to Cold Spring Campground. There are RV/trailer and tent sites available for a small daily fee. There are campfire sites, hiking trails, toilets and water from a hand pump. You will need to pack out your own garbage as there are no dumpsters. Not a bad place but you are still about 1/2 mile away from the Lost Valley Reservoir.

    If you return to the Lost Valley Reservoir road, you can continue on to the Reservoir. After about 1/2 mile, you will see the lake off to your right. There are camp sites all along this stretch of the lake with direct access to the lake. A few sites have a common outhouse with no running water. Along this side of the lake there is also a boat launch area, but I believe this is a 'No Wake Lake'. Check local burn bans, and pack your garbage out.

    The road continues along the lake edge and over a small dam. There are several small, dirt access roads that lead to the lakes edge with camping sites at the end of each. Several roads are VERY rough and have deep ruts in them, and I personally wouldn't risk driving them without a vehicle that has plenty of clearance.

    The lake is small and as the summer progresses and water is drained from the reservoir, it shrinks. I prefer camping here until about the 1st or 2nd week of August. After this, the water levels drop drastically and green algae begins to accumulate around the lakes edge. There are small perch for fishing, but I did not catch any big enough to keep. We camped here in mid-July this year and had a campfire each night.

    Beautiful views, great hiking, refreshing water, and several families had ATV's. Huckleberries are usually ripe 1st/2nd weeks of August. Very relaxing. Enjoy.

  • Austin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2021

    Little Payette Lake (Dispersed)

    Dispersed Near McCall at Little Payette Lake

    Dirt road turn-off from Lick Creek Road.  4-5 pullouts for cars/RVs.  A few hundred years from the lake, but there is not really lake access.  Mosquitoes were pretty prevalent in early august.  No fires were allowed due to wildfire restrictions.

    All said, it was a painless & free site only a few minutes from downtown McCall, ID.  Good alternative to when the state park fills up

  • Hannah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2020

    Loon Lake

    Amazing views and history!

    This campground is a hike-in area unless you visit via dirt bikes, mountain bikes or horses. It is 4.4 miles to Loon Lake from the Chinook Campground.Chinook is the last place you can get water and use a pit toilet before going on the hike. Follow the Loon Lake Loop trail to get to the lake. It is likely you may be the only person camping there, but you will see people hiking in to visit the plane wreckage of a B-23 Dragon Bomber which crashed on the other side of the lake in 1943. The plane can be difficult to find as you have to bushwack to get to it. I did find a little trail that brought me out, but it is often hard to find. We hiked along the right side of the lake, then bushwacked to the left, forded a creek, and was able to find the plane. I have heard and red that you can find the plane by going around an unmaintained forest service trail on the left side of the lake as well. If you make it this far I encourage you to find the plane and read the informational signs no matter what. The story is incredible! While it is longer to hike back out on the rest of the loop, the trail is completely different than coming in and provides amazing views of the Secesh river. Don't expect any amenities when camping at Loon Lake. This spot is truly for those interested in packing in and packing out what they want to use in a remote setting.

  • Amanda P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Hells Canyon Overlook Near Saddle Creek - Dispersed Site

    A wonderful escape

    Tons of changes in terrain but the drive is not for the faint of heart. Be ready to share space with free roaming mountain cattle. Other than a forest service vehicle and maybe 2 others it was just us up there! We came by way of Imanha.

  • Christine
    Oct. 21, 2021

    Mann Creek Recreation Area

    Gorgeous, safe and quiet

    Great place to stop on our drive from CA to ID. The other campground is just a few hundred yards up the road and it is a very park like gorgeous setting with restrooms. It was completely full on a weekday so we came to the primitive site. Wonderful. Level. Lots of respectful families Boondocking. We parked with our carryall trailer and our two vehicles and slept in our truck. What a gorgeous view and skies to wake up to. There’s a day use area further south that you can stop at on your way out for the restroom. If we go this way again, we will definitely stop here. Follow the directions, not the GPS coordinates. There is two roads to get in more creek and man creek. More creek will make you wish you had a sports bra on and a new suspension for your car when your finally get to pavement...

  • Shay S.
    May. 1, 2024

    Short's Bar Recreation Area

    Busy

    This camp site was popping with people who are definitely staying a while. These people let us camp near them but idk if they’d let us stay that long. Good for one night! Neighbors kind of loud but sooo pretty by the river!!! Easy to get in and out. Porta potty’s available

  • Will M.
    Sep. 9, 2021

    Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area

    Great campgrounds tucked away

    Great spot tucked into the trees. Some sites are a bit cramped, but enjoyable. Cool trails and nearby water to keep the kids occupied. The road is tight but you can get a fifth wheeler in. Every spot looks very easy backing in. No sharp corners, no sacrifices were made in order to back in.

Guide to Council

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Council, Idaho, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Council

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Herrick Reservoir Access

  • At Herrick Reservoir Access, you can find free camping with a limit of 10 days, making it a great spot for a longer stay.
  • Be prepared for a rustic experience, as this area has no designated sites and limited amenities, perfect for those looking to truly immerse themselves in nature.
  • The surrounding landscape offers a mix of open spaces and wooded areas, providing a variety of options for setting up your camp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best dispersed camping spots in Council, Idaho?

The Council area offers several excellent dispersed camping options. Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area is a top choice about 16 miles north of Council off Highway 95, with well-maintained gravel roads suitable for RVs and trailers. For those seeking water views, Mann Creek Recreation Area provides level primitive sites popular with families, located just a few hundred yards from a more developed campground with restrooms.

Is there a map of dispersed camping areas near Council, Idaho?

While there isn't a dedicated map specifically for Council's dispersed camping, visitors can find location information through several sources. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) office in Boise provides maps showing public lands where dispersed camping is permitted. For specific sites like Herrick Reservoir Access, be aware that surrounding private lands have clear signage, and not all reservoir roads are public access. The Payette National Forest visitor center in McCall also offers maps covering the Little Payette Lake area and other dispersed options.

Is free camping available year-round in Council, Idaho?

Free camping is available much of the year in the Council area, though seasonal closures affect accessibility. Oasis Recreation Site offers free year-round camping along the Snake River with basic amenities like a pit toilet, making it a convenient option during winter months when higher-elevation sites are inaccessible. At Herrick Reservoir Access, camping is free with a 10-day limit, but winter access may be difficult due to snow. Higher elevation sites typically close from late fall through spring due to snow accumulation and road conditions.

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